M. Shirley Hanson (1935-2026) – Bishop’s Funeral Home

M. Shirley Hanson, a longtime resident of Lower Hainsville, passed away on June 6, 2026, at the Upper River Valley Hospital. Born in 1935, she leaves behind a significant family legacy, including ten children and a marriage to the late Ardine Hanson that spanned 58 years. Funeral services are coordinated through Bishop’s Funeral Home.

The Passing of M. Shirley Hanson

The community of Lower Hainsville is mourning the loss of M. Shirley Hanson, who died on June 6, 2026. According to records from Bishop’s Funeral Home, Hanson spent her final moments at the Upper River Valley Hospital. Her passing marks the end of a life defined by deep familial ties and a long-standing presence in her local community.

For those seeking the specific details regarding her departure, the announcement confirms she was the daughter of the late Ina (Lawrence) Brewer and the late Tilley Brewer. Her life spanned nine decades, during which she became a matriarch to a sprawling extended family in the region.

A Legacy of Family and Marriage

One of the most defining aspects of M. Shirley Hanson’s life was her enduring partnership with her husband, Ardine Hanson. The couple shared a marriage that lasted 58 years, a testament to stability and commitment, until Ardine’s death in 2015. Throughout their married life, the couple resided in Lower Hainsville, where they established their home and raised their children.

The scale of the Hanson family is notable, as Shirley and Ardine raised ten children together. This large family structure suggests a life centered on domestic management, childcare, and the cultivation of close-knit sibling bonds. The children of M. Shirley Hanson include:

• Kathy Morgan
• Clinton Hanson (married to Susan Fraser)
• Bradford Hanson (married to Terri Campbell)
• Jocelyn Stephenson (married to Mark)
• Audrey Hanson
• Tammy Ingraham (married to Timmie)
• Bernadine Rothwell
• Jennifer Laforest (married to Mitch)
• Florence Hanson
• Gregory Hanson (predeceased)

In addition to her children, Shirley is survived by her daughter-in-law, Cathy Hanson, as well as a wide network of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. The breadth of her descendants indicates a multi-generational impact that extends well into the current era.

M. Shirley Hanson’s life was characterized by a lifelong commitment to her home in Lower Hainsville and the growth of a family that now spans several generations.

Extended Family and Lineage

Beyond her immediate household, M. Shirley Hanson maintained strong connections with her siblings and extended relatives. The Brewer family tree was extensive, with Shirley being one of several children. Her surviving siblings include:

• Bernard Brewer (whose wife Darlene is deceased)
• Wendall Brewer (married to June)
• Earl Brewer (whose wife Joann is deceased)
• Verna Morehouse (whose husband Clayton is deceased)
• Alice Jones (whose husband Burtis is deceased)
• Barbara Brewer (whose husband Wilder is deceased)

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marilyn Brewer. The loss of siblings is a recurring theme in the family history, as Shirley was predeceased by her brother Fred Brewer and her sisters Bertha (Dean) Brewer and Lorna (Eldon) Brewer.

Summary of Family Predecessors

The Hanson and Brewer families have faced several losses over the years. To provide a clear overview of those who passed before M. Shirley Hanson, the following table outlines the predeceased family members mentioned in the official records.

Funeral Arrangements and Service Details

The community will gather to honor M. Shirley Hanson on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. The service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and will be held at the Lower Hainsville Wesleyan Church. This venue serves as a focal point for the family and local residents to pay their final respects.

The spiritual leadership for the service will be provided by Rev. Peggy Yetman, who will be assisted by Rev. Carl and Rev. Evelyn Brewer. The involvement of the Brewer clergy highlights the deep religious and familial intersections within the family’s history.

Following the funeral service, the burial will take place at the Lower Hainsville Cemetery. The continuity of the location—from the residence to the church and finally to the cemetery—underscores the lifelong connection M. Shirley Hanson maintained with the Lower Hainsville area.

Key Service Information

• Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
• Time: 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Lower Hainsville Wesleyan Church
• Interment: Lower Hainsville Cemetery
• Officiating Clergy: Rev. Peggy Yetman, Rev. Carl Brewer, and Rev. Evelyn Brewer

Community Impact and Charitable Contributions

In lieu of traditional tributes, the family has requested that donations be made to a cause that directly benefits the local community. Specifically, contributions are being directed toward the Lower Hainville Cemetery Fund. This request suggests a desire to preserve the local resting place where M. Shirley Hanson and many of her kin are interred, ensuring the site remains maintained for future generations.

The choice of this charity reflects a commitment to local heritage and the physical preservation of family history. For those wishing to honor her memory, the fund provides a tangible way to support the community of Lower Hainsville.

Understanding the Significance of the Hanson Legacy

The life of M. Shirley Hanson (1935-2026) offers a glimpse into a specific era of family life and community structure. Raising ten children in a single location for several decades requires an immense amount of coordination, resilience, and dedication. In a modern context, such large family units are less common, making the Hanson legacy a notable example of traditional rural family dynamics.

The fact that she and Ardine Hanson remained in Lower Hainsville throughout their entire married life indicates a strong sense of place. This geographic stability often results in deep-rooted social networks and a high level of influence within local institutions, such as the Lower Hainsville Wesleyan Church.

Furthermore, the presence of multiple generations—children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren—demonstrates a biological and social continuity. The transition of leadership and memory from Shirley to her descendants will likely be a primary focus for the family in the coming years.

Contextualizing the Loss

The passing of a matriarch like M. Shirley Hanson often triggers a period of reflection for the extended family. Given the number of surviving siblings and children, her funeral is expected to be a significant gathering of the Brewer and Hanson lineages. The shared grief over the loss of her son, Gregory, and other predeceased grandchildren and great-grandchildren adds a layer of complexity to the family’s mourning process.

For those researching family history or genealogy in the Fredericton and Lower Hainsville areas, the details provided by Bishop’s Funeral Home serve as a critical record of the Brewer and Hanson family connections during the mid-to-late 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the funeral for M. Shirley Hanson?

The funeral service for M. Shirley Hanson will take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lower Hainsville Wesleyan Church. The burial will follow at the Lower Hainsville Cemetery.

Who are the surviving family members of M. Shirley Hanson?

Shirley is survived by nine children (Kathy, Clinton, Bradford, Jocelyn, Audrey, Tammy, Bernadine, Jennifer, and Florence), a daughter-in-law (Cathy Hanson), several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings Bernard, Wendall, Earl, Verna, Alice, and Barbara, and sister-in-law Marilyn Brewer.

What charity has the family requested donations for?

The family has requested that donations in memory of M. Shirley Hanson be made to the Lower Hainville Cemetery Fund.

How long were M. Shirley Hanson and her husband married?

M. Shirley Hanson and her late husband, Ardine Hanson, were married for 58 years until his passing in 2015.

Where did M. Shirley Hanson pass away?

M. Shirley Hanson passed away on June 6, 2026, at the Upper River Valley Hospital.

The records provided by Bishop’s Funeral Home ensure that the life and passing of M. Shirley Hanson are documented for her family and the wider community. Her transition from a lifelong resident of Lower Hainsville to a remembered ancestor marks a significant moment for the many descendants she leaves behind.